And Deignan comes into this weekend’s road race as defending champion following her success in Richmond, USA, last year and would become the first Briton to defend a Road World Championship crown should she take the title once again on Saturday.

The 27-year-old finished fifth in the road race event at Rio 2016 but remains a serious medal contender in the searing heat of Doha.

Steve Cummings

If a breakaway is to be successful in Qatar this weekend, possible with the desert winds, Steve Cummings may be GB’s best hope of capitalising after his Tour of Britain win last month.

The 35-year-old has been in terrific form in 2016 so far, becoming the first British rider since Sir Bradley Wiggins to take the title in its current incarnation.

Cummings, who, with Alex Dowsett, will also ride in the time trial on Wednesday, also proved his ability with a superb solo ride and a stage win at the Tour de France earlier this year.

Geraint Thomas

An absolute workhorse in the peloton, Geraint Thomas will be looking to put his Rio 2016 disappointment behind him with a strong ride at these World Championships.

Likely to be supporting a sprint finish for Mark Cavendish, Thomas has two Olympic team pursuit gold medals to his name from Beijing and London and was also victorious in the Commonwealth Games road race in Glasgow two years ago.